Manchester was host to Dot to Dot Festival’s first night on Friday, introducing 130 bands to 18 of the city’s stages. The event, headlined by Mystery Jets, was perhaps the most exciting year since its creation ten years age. With venues as diverse and unique as a cereal café and a cathedral, it was a struggle to choose where to start.
Girlfriend took early to the stage- performing a six-song set at the Mint Lounge. For a relatively unknown band, they gained a substantial audience who all bopped along to newly released single ‘Tragic On The Dancefloor’. The preppy and light acoustics were a great way to start the day off, as they truly got people in the mood to dance and enjoy themselves.
One of the highlights was attending the Manchester Cathedral, a venue most well known for its choirs and organ-players that chirp along to hymns every Sunday. Instead, it was engulfed by rowdy teens eager to listen to acts such as Sundara Karma, Rat Boy and The Hunna.
All three bands delivered astounding performances, with Rat Boy in particular leaving the audience sweaty and suffocated, begging for more. Without even releasing an album yet, he had the crowd on their feet singing every single word to hits ‘Move’ and ‘Sign On’.
Creating mosh-pits in such a serene and religious establishment felt downright wrong. I half-expected a priest to barge through the cathedral doors, forcing us to stop. It was incredible.
Upon leaving the Cathedral, we took to the Northern Quarter to attend Dua Lipa’s set at the Central Methodist Hall. Her voice was evangelical, and may have made her a better choice of act for the previous location. Her songs ‘Be The One’ and ‘Hotter Than Hell’ have had constant airplay on BBC Radio 1 and, watching her live, it was obvious why. The talented musician showcased a deep, sultry voice much older than her years.
It was unfortunate that The Japanese House could not attend as it was evident a lot of fans had turned up to the festival just to see her. They were treated instead to Little Green Cars, an Irish indie-rock band fronted by Faye O’Rourke. Again mosh-pits were formed, though this was a little awkward, as it really did not match with the melancholic and quiet singing style the band were using.
Although the festival lasted until 3am, the night started to settle down at midnight when Spring King took to the stage, largely due to some irritating train timings that meant people were rushed away. Central Methodist Hall was once again packed with fans still up and on their feet. The band put on an exhilarating set, combining energetic drumming and infectious vocals to form a mix of vivid and vivacious indie. Songs from their new album, including ‘Let’s Ride’ and ‘The Summer’ were best-received with the fun-loving crowd. With such a brilliant performance, Spring King look set to cause some serious waves this summer – especially with their debut album set to be released on June 10th.
With such a great reputation of taking young artists and churning out mainstream superstars, Dot to Dot was always sure to go well. The tenth year celebration of the festival did not disappoint, as Manchester once again showed its vast collection of talented musicians, as well as the extraordinary atmosphere laid on by the fans.
You can buy early-bird tickets for Dot to Dot Festival 2017 now.